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Galega officinalis is an ancient ornamental plant that produces a delightful natural effect in the garden. The plants have handsome foliage and they errupt in spring to produce countless sprays of fragrant lavender-blue flower spikes, each with mini-sweet pea shaped flowers.

A relatively new vegetable in the English-speaking world but well-known in Asian cuisine, the flavour of garlic chives is more like garlic than chives, though much milder. Both leaves and the stalks of the flowers are used a stir fry ingredient. The flowers may also be used as a spice.

Good King Henry has been used as a vegetable for centuries and was once a common sight in every garden. Good King Henry may have lost his court and become something of a rarity today, but this unique herb has much to offer to the home or cottage gardener.

Good King Henry has been used as a vegetable for centuries and was once a common sight in every garden. Good King Henry may have lost his court and become something of a rarity today, but this unique herb has much to offer to the home or cottage gardener. Organic Seed.

Proponents of alfalfa describe it as a wonder crop. As a green manure, alfalfa can be grown for a few months or a year. The plants are able to fix large quantities of nitrogen from the air, its long roots break up soil pans, prevent erosion and improve soil and water quality.

Crimson Clover is a flowering legume, it has been a valuable resource throughout farming history. They fix nitrogen into the soil and provide bulky organic matter. In a crop rotation plan use clover before a brassica to release nitrogen to the following greens.

Green Manure “General Mix” is designed to provide a short term mix for use throughout the year. The plants have nitrogen fixing properties and provide a mix of bulky foliage that add organic matter. improving the texture of the soil and suppressing weeds.

‘Landsberger’ is the ultimate in winter green manure. Deep rooting and an excellent nitrogen fixer. With prolific growth it is an excellent ground cover. This highly esteemed mix is suitable for overwintering and can be sown throughout autumn until November.

Siletina is a dual purpose crop, the leaves of this excellent green manure are edible. Often selected for its high yields and effective nematode suppression, Radish produces masses of green leaf and makes are an excellent companion plants for many crops.

Considered to be the best clover for fixing nitrogen to the soil, Red Clover lifts minerals and nutrients from deep in the soil strata. Winter hardy and fast growing, it produces an abundant crop and grows in a great range of soils and climates.

Rye is one of the best green manures for winter use, it is the best cool-season cereal cover for absorbing soil nitrogen and gives good crop cover to help prevent nutrient leaching, it provides exceptional weed suppression. Sow to November.

Green Manure 'Spring Mix’ is designed for maximum germination at low temperatures, this fast growing cover adds both nitrogen and the maximum amount of organic matter to the soil. Includes English Vetch and Mustard White Tilney. Sow from March to September.

Tares and Rye are a traditional combination as they work well together. Used particularly in crop rotation prior to planting leafy crops such as brassicas, this two-way mix guarantees biomass, builds soil and leaves readily available nitrogen for hungry crops. Sow in spring or as late as November.

As a green manure Tares are an excellent choice for heavy soils, they produce a lot of bulky foliage that suppresses weeds, adds organic matter and improves the texture of the soil. Easy to dig in, this hardy annual can be sown in spring to dig in later in summer or sown in autumn to overwinter.

Green Manure ‘Winter Mix’ is a specially formulated mix suitable for sowing in in autumn and for digging in during spring. It is a good all-round mix, containing four plants that each have different properties: Italian Rye, Crimson clover, Mustard White Tilney and Red Clover.

The popularity of Field Beans for use as a green manure has increased steadily over recent years due to its value as a full-foliage legume with deep nitrogen-fixing roots. Very hardy and suitable for overwintering, it can be sown September to late November. It is particularly good on heavy soils, helping to break it up and improve its structure.

Forage Pea Green Manure is a fast growing member of the legume family. An excellent nitrogen fixer, it is suitable for most soil types, including heavy soil. Ideal for sowing late in the season; they are excellent for over wintering and can be sown from September to November.

Humulus lupulus, is a climbing hardy herbaceous perennial. The Hops are actually the female flower cones or 'strobiles' of the plant. Hops are used as a sedative and relaxant, sleeping on a pillow filled with hops is said to help insomnia. Leaves and shoots are eaten either cooked or in salads, the flavour is said to be delicious.

Hyssop famously attracts bees, hover-flies and butterflies. It makes excellent honey and is a must for any wildflower garden. Some beekeepers rub the hive with it to encourage the bees to keep to their home. In cooking, use the same way you would Rosemary. Organic Seed.

Hyssopus officinalis 'Alba' is a much less well known variety of hyssop. Also known as 'White Hyssop' the plants sport bright white flowers from July to October. Widely used as a 'taste enhancing' herb or wildlife plant, the plants are a dark, vibrant green with a spiky, upright habit and narrow tongue-like leaves which have a peppery scent when stroked.

Hyssop, once recognised as a medicinal herb is enjoying a revival with home gardeners. An aromatic herb similar to rosemary or lavender, it makes an excellent low hedge and more unusual alternative to box. The plants are a dark, vibrant green with a spiky, upright habit and narrow tongue-like leaves. 'Pink' Hyssop sports vibrant, pink flowers.

Hyssop is a strong-flavoured aromatic herb which is enjoying a revival with home gardeners. An ideal plant for use in containers or as a low hedge or border within the herb garden. Highly attractive to bees, it makes excellent honey and is a must for any wildflower garden.